Book reviews for the young and the old. This site reviews children, teen, and adult books with a few interesting things thrown into the mix. Check out the labels on the right hand side for specific genres or topics.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Trash - Andy Mulligan

Synopsis from Barnes and Noble

In an unnamed Third World country, in the not-so-distant future, three “dumpsite boys” make a living picking through the mountains of garbage on the outskirts of a large city.

One unlucky-lucky day, Raphael finds something very special and very mysterious. So mysterious that he decides to keep it, even when the city police offer a handsome reward for its return. That decision brings with it terrifying consequences, and soon the dumpsite boys must use all of their cunning and courage to stay ahead of their pursuers. It’s up to Raphael, Gardo, and Rat—boys who have no education, no parents, no homes, and no money—to solve the mystery and right a terrible wrong.

Andy Mulligan has written a powerful story about unthinkable poverty—and the kind of hope and determination that can transcend it. With twists and turns, unrelenting action, and deep, raw emotion, Trash is a heart-pounding, breath-holding novel.

My review:
I remember as a teen a missionary coming back from Mexico and showing slides of the dumpsite families. I could not believe that people lived like that but they did. As I grew older I understood this to be a reality in many countries. From what I have read over the years and talking with missionaries I believe that there are many that still live like this and that the governments are still just as corrupt.
The story is told from the point of view of three dumpsite kids, and two adults from the charity school. I felt rage at the officials and the way they treated the poor. They view them as nothing. Yet they are the very reason these people are forced to live this way. I would recommend this to kids 12 and above. I know the first student I will share this with. He has an extremely big heart and I could see him promoting this book and having a lot of the same feelings I've had. This is definitely a keeper.